Donald Trump won a mandate during the election. But now cracks are showing.
Because Trump made a rare misstep that is going to cost him dearly.
Unexpected Turn: Title X Funds Quietly Restored to Planned Parenthood
In a surprising development that caught many off guard, the Trump administration’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) restored tens of millions in Title X family planning grants to Planned Parenthood and other providers in December 2025.
These funds, which had been temporarily withheld since March 2025 pending investigations into potential compliance issues with federal civil rights laws and executive orders, were quietly released without public announcement.
The move allowed Planned Parenthood affiliates in several states to submit reimbursement claims for non-abortion services like birth control and health screenings for low-income patients—though direct abortion funding remains barred by the Hyde Amendment.
The restoration became public through a Politico report on January 13, prompting the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to drop its related lawsuit the same day. This shift reversed an earlier effort to pause the grants, which had impacted clinics and raised concerns about access to care in underserved areas.
Administration’s Response Highlights Apparent Disconnect
When directly asked about the reports on January 14, President Donald Trump responded candidly: “I don’t know anything about that.” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. echoed the sentiment, stating: “I have not heard that.”
These comments underscore a notable gap in awareness at the highest levels regarding a significant policy action taken by the department just weeks earlier.
The lack of explanation from HHS officials about the decision to restore the funds—beyond vague references to “clarifications” by the grantees—has left observers noting the quiet nature of the reversal and its timing amid broader administration priorities.
This episode marks a departure from the first Trump term’s more restrictive approach, which included the “Protect Life Rule” to limit indirect support for abortion-providing entities.
Pro-Life Advocates Call for Swift Action Ahead of March for Life
The funding restoration has drawn quick attention from pro-life organizations, which are urging the administration to reinstate stronger safeguards.
Groups like Live Action and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America are pushing for a full defunding of Planned Parenthood and the revival of protective rules to prevent any taxpayer dollars from indirectly bolstering abortion services.
As the annual March for Life approaches on January 23, in Washington, D.C., advocates see this as a pivotal moment to refocus on life-affirming policies. The situation highlights the complexities of navigating federal family planning programs while addressing long-standing concerns over funding priorities.
